Key insights
The average solar panel installation costs $2.43 per watt in North Carolina.
Jump to insightThe federal solar tax credit expired at the end of 2025, but you might still be eligible for other solar incentives.
Jump to insightYou can lease a system with low upfront costs.
Jump to insightHow much do solar panels cost in North Carolina?
Average solar panel installation costs start between $12,150 and $24,300 in North Carolina. That doesn't include the cost of a solar storage battery, which can add $7,000 to $18,000 to your total system costs.
The size of your solar panel system is another big factor in your overall solar costs. The average size of solar systems in North Carolina is 14.19 kW (kilowatts). Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.
Most installers price systems according to their wattage. The average solar panel installation costs per watt is $2.43 in North Carolina. “Cost per watt” is similar to the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes.
Average solar panel costs by system size in North Carolina
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | $12,150 | $14,580 | $17,010 | $19,440 | $21,870 | $24,300 |
| Charlotte | $11,800 | $14,160 | $16,520 | $18,880 | $21,240 | $23,600 |
| Raleigh | $12,250 | $14,700 | $17,150 | $19,600 | $22,050 | $24,500 |
| Fayetteville | $12,100 | $14,520 | $16,940 | $19,360 | $21,780 | $24,200 |
Are solar panels worth it in North Carolina?
We analyzed dozens of reviews from solar customers in North Carolina. For many, like Larry in Goldsboro, going solar is worth it for the savings on electricity.
“The electric bill is minimal and just this month, we didn't have to pay anything for electrical,” Larry told us. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 11.9 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.
For others, solar is a long-term strategy. Eric in Charlotte basically traded a power bill for solar loan payments: “It's around $30 more than the price of my power bill, but I'm okay with that for the fact that in 10 years, Duke Power is gonna raise their percentages 10-fold compared to what I'm paying now.”
However, some felt misled about the savings they would receive or had difficulties resolving post-installation issues. For instance, Garrett in Waxhaw expected his monthly bill to stay between $15 and $30. But in reality, he says he’s saving “maybe only $20 a month.”
If your house is a good candidate to support an installation, it’s at least worth considering solar panels in North Carolina. We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.
Duke Power is gonna raise their percentages 10-fold compared to what I'm paying now.”
» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons
Solar panel installation cost factors in North Carolina
The cost of solar panels isn't a one-size-fits-all figure. The final amount you pay hinges on the size of the solar system you install, the quality and efficiency of the panels you select and additional components of the setup.
The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.
Solar equipment
In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters, batteries or a monitoring system.
Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some cost $30,000 or more.
Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Monitoring system: A solar monitoring system tracks how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. They typically cost $80 to $400.
Condition of your roof
Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long. ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. This is an expensive and frustrating process. Avoid it if you can — get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.
Labor costs
Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are higher than ever in some areas. Installing solar panels yourself might initially seem cheaper because you'll save on labor costs. However, it's crucial to consider several factors for safety before going the do-it-yourself route. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.
How to save money on solar panels in North Carolina
There’s no way around it — solar panel installations are expensive. Here are some tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in North Carolina:
- Compare quotes: Getting quotes from at least three or four different solar companies lets you compare equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production to find the best overall value.
- Lower your electrical load: It’s smart to upgrade any old appliances before going solar. For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load, which also helps lower your utility bill. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.
How can I pay for solar panels in North Carolina?
You can pay cash, but most people finance solar panels with a solar loan. It works like any other type of loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time. You can also lease solar equipment, which requires little to no money down.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in North Carolina
The 30% federal solar tax credit is gone, but North Carolina has a few programs that can help lower solar costs:
Property tax break: Most residential solar systems are fully or mostly exempt from property taxes.
Piedmont Electric Cooperative: Offers solar loans up to $30,000 with terms up to 10 years.
South River EMC: Offers energy-efficiency loans up to $35,000 with terms up to 10 years.
» MORE: North Carolina solar incentives
Compare solar installation companies in North Carolina
We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in top solar companies in North Carolina.
| Company | Customer rating | Pro install | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blue Raven Solar | Learn More | 3.0 |  | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 2014 |
 Freedom Power Solar | Get Started | 4.1 | | Cash, loan | 2007 |
 Palmetto Solar | Learn More | 1.2 | | Cash, loan, lease | 2015 |
 Green Home Systems | Learn More | 1.0 | | Cash, loan | 2017 |
 ShopSolar | Learn More | 4.3 |  | Cash, loan | 2018 |
FAQ
Can I get free solar panels in North Carolina?
We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in North Carolina. Solar scams that promise free solar panels often, unfortunately, end up costing people quite a bit of money.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
How much can I save with solar panels?
On average, North Carolina homeowners with solar panels avoid $45,388 in total utility costs over 25 years.
» EXPLORE: Where solar savings go the furthest
How does net metering work in North Carolina?
Net metering rules depend on your utility. For Duke Energy customers, the old net metering program closed to new applications in 2023.
New customers may qualify for Net Metering Bridge or Residential Solar Choice. Both offer credits for extra electricity sent to the grid, but those credits are based on lower avoided-cost rates.
That means newer solar customers may save less than they would have under Duke’s old net metering rules.
How are solar costs trending in North Carolina?
The cost to go solar in North Carolina has fallen 47% over the last 10 years, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Will solar panels make my property taxes go up?
Installing solar panels can significantly increase a home's value, according to a Zillow study. North Carolina has a solar property tax abatement. This means that your property tax bill won’t go up because the solar panels increased the market value of your house.
Bottom line
Installing solar panels leads to big long-term savings on electricity bills for North Carolina homeowners. On average, you’ll spend $34,482 for panels that last about 25 years. Over that same time period, you’d avoid approximately $45,388 in total utility costs.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in North Carolina and other states.
Solar costs vs. savings: North Carolina and nearby states
| 6-kW system cost (before incentives) | 10-kW system cost (before incentives) | Typical system size needed* | Average cost per watt | Total utility power cost savings** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $15,000 | $25,000 | 12.97 kW | $2.50 | $45,038 |
| North Carolina | $14,580 | $24,300 | 14.19 kW | $2.43 | $45,388 |
| South Carolina | $15,600 | $26,000 | 14.24 kW | $2.60 | $51,366 |
| Tennessee | $21,180 | $35,300 | 13.92 kW | $3.53 | $39,124 |
| Virginia | $15,240 | $25,400 | 13.94 kW | $2.54 | $46,993 |
Article sources
- DSIRE, "North Carolina Programs." Accessed Sept. 25, 2026.
- EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in North Carolina." Accessed Sept. 25, 2026.
- Solar Energy Industries Association, "North Carolina Solar." Accessed Sept. 25, 2026.
- SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in North Carolina?" Accessed Sept. 25, 2026.
- Public Staff, North Carolina Utilities Commission, “ Net Metering.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2026.
- North Carolina General Assembly, “Senate Bill 670.” Accessed Sept. 25, 2026.
